LG WM3050CW Dampers Replacement

Written By: Bill Gilbert

Comments: 0

Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

Time Required

1 - 2 hours

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the dampers in your LG WM3050CW Washing Machine.

This model has three dampers. The dampers support the drum while reducing the vibration transmitted to the chassis. If a damper is worn out or broken, the washer can become unbalanced during a wash cycle, resulting in excessive machine wobble and component damage.

The metal ring holding the rubber boot can be difficult to reinstall. You can buy this tool to make the reinstallation easier, or ask additional people to help.

Tools

Parts

ACV72909503 - LG Washer Damper Assembly

Step 1

Before you begin your repair, perform the following:
Turn off the main water supply
Unplug your washer
Disconnect all water connections at the rear of your washer

Step 2

Use a Phillips driver to remove the two bottom 16.5 mm-long screws securing the top panel brackets.

Step 3

Slide the top panel 1-2 inches towards the rear of the device to disconnect its clips.

Step 4

Tilt the top panel upward to completely disconnect it from the chassis.
Remove the top panel.

Step 5

Pull the detergent drawer away from the chassis as far as it will go.

Step 6

Press down on the "Push" button to disengage the clips securing the detergent drawer.
Pull the drawer out of its slot on the chassis and remove it.

Step 7

Disconnect the three harness connectors for the control panel.
Always grip cables by their connectors and not the wires themselves.

Step 8

Use a Phillips driver to remove the 16.4 mm-long screw securing the control panel.

Step 9

Use a Phillips driver to remove the two 26.3 mm‑long screws securing the detergent dispenser.

Step 10

Insert a flathead screwdriver between the chassis and the top left corner of the control panel.
Twist the screwdriver to release the clips securing the control panel.
Repeat this procedure for the remaining clips along the control panel.

Step 11

Lift the control panel upward to completely separate it from the chassis.
Pull the control panel away from the chassis, making sure to thread the cables through its slot in the chassis.
Remove the control panel.

Step 12

Open the front door completely.

Step 13

Use needle nose pliers to grip the spring end of the metal ring at the bottom of the rubber boot.
Pull the ring away from the chassis to separate it from the boot.

Step 14

Use your hand to completely pull the ring off the boot.
During reassembly, perform the following:
Insert one end of the ring into its groove along the boot's perimeter.
Use pliers to slowly stretch the ring around the boot's perimeter until it's completely nested in its groove.
This procedure will take significant force.

Step 15

Use your fingers to pull the boot off its lip on the front panel.

Step 16

Work your fingers around the boot until its completely separated from the panel.

Step 17

Open the filter panel at the bottom left of the front panel.
Twist the filter panel upward to unclip it from the front panel.

Step 18

Use a Phillips driver to remove the two 12.8 mm‑long screws securing the filter trim.

Step 19

Pull the filter trim straight off the front panel to remove it.

Step 20

Use a Phillips driver to remove the 12.8 mm-long screw securing the lower front panel.

Step 21

Use a Phillips driver to remove the two 16 mm‑long screws securing the door latch.

Step 22

Pull the door latch through its slot in the chassis and let it hang on its wire.

Step 23

Hold the front panel against the chassis while performing this step to prevent it from falling.
Use a Phillips driver, or a 7 mm nut driver, to remove the six 15 mm‑long screws securing the front panel.

Step 24

Lift the front panel upward to separate it from its clips on the bottom of the chassis.
Pull the front panel away from the chassis to completely separate the front panel.

Step 25

Remove the front panel.

Step 26

Use a Phillips driver to remove the four 10.7 mm‑long screws securing the rear panel.

Step 27

Lift the rear panel upward to release its bottom clips.
Pull the rear panel away from the chassis to release the remaining clips.

Step 28

Remove the rear panel.

Step 29

Depending on your repair, you might need to access the dampers from the rear, the front, or both ends of the device. Choose whichever method works best for you.
Use a flathead screwdriver to press down on the tab securing the plastic pin.
Use a hammer to tap the pin out of its hole, still making sure the tab is compressed.
Repeat this procedure until the pin is loose enough to be removed with your hands.

Step 30

Remove the plastic pin.
If your replacement dampers don't come with new pins, apply silicone grease to the old pins during reassembly.

Step 31

Slide the damper out of its slot in the chassis to disconnect it.
Remove the damper.
If you're having difficulty removing the damper, compress it to shorten its length.
Repeat the last two steps for each damper you want to replace.